In partnership with: SMMT and Bus Centre for Excellence

The Bus & Coach Expo 2026 is delighted to partner with SMMT and The Bus Centre of Excellence to bring a fully immersive and interactive feature dedicated to the bus operators and Local Transport Authorities of tomorrow. Hosting pre-arranged 1-to1 meetings onsite to help connect buyers with suppliers supporting zero-emission bus projects. 

High-quality collaboration is an essential component of decarbonising public transport, so let's champion innovation and build the future for cleaner, zero-emission bus networks. 

Taking Place DAY 3, 23 APRIL 2026

GET INVOLVED (opens in a new tab)

MTBO - WHAT'S IN IT FOR BUYERS & SUPPLIERS?

Suppliers 

SUPPLIER DEADLINE: 06 MARCH 2026

Meet the Bus Operator is designed to help suppliers connect with organisations actively planning and delivering fleet decarbonisation. It’s a time-efficient way to:

  • Get in front of LTAs and operators with live or emerging needs
  • Hold focused 1-to-1 conversations
  • Put your capability in front of buyers early to support future projects and procurement activity

The process

  1. Express interest (EOI) via Cvent by 6 March.
    Complete the registration form and submit your EOI outlining what you offer and the type of buyer needs you can support.
  2. Buyers review EOIs and request meetings
    Participating LTAs and operators will review EOIs and select the suppliers they want to meet.
  3. Confirm meetings by 27 March
    If successful, SMMT will reach out to confirm your meeting and time and schedule.
  4. Attend pre-scheduled, face-to-face meetings at the NEC
    Meetings are 25 minutes each, scheduled by SMMT and held in person at the show.

Relevant fields

  • Vehicle manufacturers (UK-based and importers)

  • Repower and retrofit providers

  • Charging and energy solution providers

  • Charging infrastructure and depot delivery specialists

  • Finance and funding organisations

  • Consultancy and project delivery support

Cost

  • Free for SMMT members
  • £250 + VAT for non-members (suppliers)

REGISTER NOW (opens in a new tab)

Buyers

BUYER DEADLINE: 27 FEBRUARY 2026

Meet the Bus Operator gives you a structured way to compare solutions and speak to specialists in one place, in one day. It helps you:

  • Rapidly compare approaches across vehicles, retrofit/repower, charging/energy, depot delivery, funding and delivery support
  • Sense-check assumptions and reduce early-stage research time
  • Have practical delivery conversations with the people who would actually implement the work

The process

  1. Register as a buyer via Cvent before 27 February.
    Tell us what you’re working on and what type of solutions you want to explore.
  2. Review supplier EOIs (24 March – 13 April)
    You’ll receive access to the supplier EOI list and can identify who you want to meet.
  3. Request meetings
    You choose who to meet. SMMT then schedules appointments to make the day efficient and relevant.
  4. Attend pre-arranged meetings at the NEC (23 April 2026)
    Meetings are 25 minutes each, and buyers can have up to 8 meetings during the event.

Cost

  •  Free for buyers

 

 

REGISTER NOW (opens in a new tab)

About The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders Limited (SMMT)

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) is one of the largest and most influential trade associations in the UK. Its resources, reputation and unrivalled automotive data place it at the heart of the UK automotive industry.

SMMT represents sectors ranging from R&D and manufacturing of cars, vans, trucks, buses, taxis and trailers; to tech, software, servicing and supply chain. Our members include large multi-nationals. SMEs and start-ups, and SMMT’s remit is to support, safeguard and champion their businesses and competitiveness, promoting their interest to government, stakeholders and media in the UK and globally.

Visit SMMT on their stand 5E30 or feel free to get in touch with them directly.

W: www.smmt.co.uk

E: memberservices@smmt.co.uk